Looking for a way to support Special Olympics Virginia? Then get to the 25th annual Plane Pull this weekend.
According to a release, the Dulles Day Plane pull is happening at Washington Dulles International Airport this Saturday.
“Nearly 100 teams from the community will pull two jet aircraft with ropes in a friendly competition that originated at Dulles 25 years ago and has raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Virginia since the event’s inception,” stated a release.
The free event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be food, entertainment, and multiple activities. The plane-pull competition will begin at 11 a.m.
More on the day’s events, from a release:
5K/10K Runway Run from 7:30 – 9:30 am (sold out / for registered participants only)
Dulles Day will begin with the fifth annual Run on the Runway for registered participants at 7:30 am, without any impacts on passenger flights at the airport. About 2,500 runners will gather behind the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, located off Route 28 via the Air & Space Museum Parkway exit. The course will take runners onto Dulles Runway “1-Right” and past a widebody United Airlines aircraft as a picturesque backdrop. Video of runners on the runway will be broadcast live on the FlyDulles Facebook page.
Dulles Day Plane Pull from 10:30 am – 4 pm (FREE public open house)
The Dulles Day Plane Pull will feature two full-size jet aircraft parked side-by-side and nearly 100 teams from companies and community organizations taking turns pulling the planes 12 feet as fast as they can. The planes are provided by FedEx and United Airlines. Winners will receive trophies and bragging rights, but the real winners will be the Special Olympics Virginia athletes who benefit from the teams’ fundraising activities prior to the event. In each of the last 10 years, the Chesapeake, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office achieved the fastest pull time and will return with expectations of extending their winning streak.
Besides the Plane Pull, the open house will feature many other activities for the enjoyment of all who attend:
An “International Row” immediately inside the entrance gate with exhibits focusing on travel, hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, TSA, CLEAR registered traveler and the National Air and Space Museum.
Views of the adjacent runway with domestic and international flights taking off and landing.
More than 40 current and vintage aircraft on display, including military support and cargo aircraft such as DC-3, U.S Air Force B-52 Stratofortress, C-17 Globemaster and a privately owned Sea Harrier jet that will perform aerial maneuvers when it arrives (at 11:45 am) and departs (at 3:30 pm). View a more detailed aircraft list here.
Classic car show with about 50 cars and motorcycles.
Appearances by Miss Virginia and Washington Redskins Cheerleaders.
Airfield tours aboard the famous Dulles Mobile Lounges for $1 per rider.
Kids’ play area near the main entrance with bounce houses.
Kid’s truck pull (register onsite) and dunk-a-cop tank.
“Trackless Train” running back and forth to carry attendees between attractions.
Equipment displays by Airports Authority Police, Fire and Rescue and Maintenance.
Take a ride in an Airports Authority fire truck for a $5 donation to Special Olympics.
Police K-9 demonstrations scheduled for every hour beginning at 11:30 am.
Food and beverages from a variety of vendors and food trucks available for purchase.
